National Submarine Day is a holiday observed on April 11th each year. It commemorates the acquisition of the U.S. Navy’s first modern commissioned submarine in 1900, the Holland VI, invented by John Philip Holland.

On April 11, 1900, the U.S. government purchased this submarine for $150,000—the equivalent of $4.8 million in 2021. This day provides an excellent opportunity for people to learn more about submarines or for submarine enthusiasts to visit one of the many submarine exhibitions, exhibits, or memorials located across the United States.

Facts About Submarines

Below are some fascinating facts about submarines that we’d like to share with everyone now.

• The first submarine was invented by Dutch inventor Cornelis Drebbel in 1620.
• The USS Nautilus was the first nuclear-powered submarine, launched in 1954.
• Submarines use ballasts to rise and sink.
• In the 1750s, England granted more than 12 patents for submarine designs.

Observing National Submarine Day

All across the U.S., submarines have been designated as memorials, and we believe these are the perfect places for people to observe this holiday. Some of the U.S. submarines marked as memorials include the Albacore in Portsmouth, New Hampshire; the Cod in Cleveland, Ohio; and the Razorback in North Little Rock, Arkansas. People can also learn more about submarines and their use by the U.S. military. Additionally, people should use the hashtag #NationalSubmarineDay to spread the word about this holiday.